2nd Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 5 2023

First Reading:  Genesis 12:1-4
Psalm # 33 R Let Your love be upon us, Lord, even as we hope in You.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10
Lenten Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord, king of eternal glory:  
       Verse: From the bright cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Theme:  The Transfiguration

Commentary by Jane Prini

How did your first week of Lent go?  Were you successful in fulfilling your resolutions of prayer, fasting and almsgiving? I hope most days were successful. There are still five weeks to practice.

What is the most amazing thing you have ever seen? Have you ever had a day that was so amazing you wanted it to last forever?

Today’s gospel reading tells of a time when Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain to pray. As Jesus was praying his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white. Then Moses and Elijah, (Moses brought us the 10 Commandments and Elijah was a powerful prophet), appeared to Jesus. They talked about how Jesus was going to die. When Peter saw this he could not believe his eyes. The whole scene seemed incredible, so he suggested they make three tents or dwellings. He did not know what he was saying. Peter did not understand that this mountaintop experience was not meant to last. It was not a place to stay but a starting point. It was to give them courage.

Then something even more amazing, and also frightening, happened. A bright cloud came over them and they heard God speaking to them! Can you image what that must have been like? They heard God tell them, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with him I am well pleased; listen to him.” He was saying: hang on, be patient, hope in Jesus, stay with him. They were in the presence of God. They were so scared they hid their faces, but Jesus touched them and calmed their fear, telling them to “Rise, be not afraid”. When they looked up Jesus looked his usual self. God wanted them, and so us, to trust that Jesus is God’s Son. 

These two quotes are good reminders as we go through the next month of Lent. It can be a time to open ourselves up to listen to Jesus and allow him to lead us through the rest of Lent, knowing he had overcome all our fears.

If Peter, James and John had stayed on the mountain they would have missed out on everything that was still to come. Their lives were very different after that experience. We know that after this mountain experience, Jesus died on a cross, was buried, and rose from the grave so that we could have eternal life in heaven with him.

In our lives we have moments where we know God’s presence, something like what Peter, James and John lived. Sometimes they are only moments, sometimes longer. We cannot remain in these moments forever. They are gifts, graces or little blessings from God, to give us courage and hope as we live each day as followers of Jesus. These are holy moments. We can bring holy moments to others everyday through our kindness, patience and thoughtfulness.

Prayer for Families: Heavenly Father, we thank You for all of the wonderful experiences You allow us to enjoy as we walk each day with Jesus. Help us to follow, listen and obey Him wherever He leads us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
 

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